Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
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<birdfyi-bird slug="oxyura-jamaicensis"></birdfyi-bird>About
A compact stiff-tailed diving duck (~590 g) in family Anatidae, males chestnut-bodied with a sky-blue bill in breeding season. Native to North and South America; an introduced invasive in Europe threatening the White-headed Duck through hybridization. Breeds on freshwater marshes; dives for aquatic plants and invertebrates. Least Concern in native range.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 27.9 cm | 11.0 in |
| Weight | 586.6666666666666 g | 20.69 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Breeding male has vivid rufous-chestnut body, black crown, white cheeks, and bright sky-blue bill; stiff tail often cocked upright. Female is dull brown with pale cheek crossed by single dark stripe.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Breeds across interior North America from western Canada south to Mexico. Winters on coasts and inland waters south to northern South America.
Diet & Feeding
Dives for aquatic plant seeds, roots, and invertebrates in freshwater marshes. Uses stiff tail as rudder while swimming underwater.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 24-26 days. Fledging: 50-55 days.
Clutch Size
5-15
Sound
Song
Male produces a mechanical, drumming bok-bok-bok staccato beat; female gives a harsh, nasal quack. The male's rapid drum-roll call on the bill during display is startlingly loud and distinctive.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes (Waterfowl) |
| Family | Anatidae (Ducks, Geese & Swans) |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | Oxyura jamaicensis |
Distribution
Ruddy Duck has been recorded in 27 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Ruddy Duck eat?
Where does the Ruddy Duck live?
Is the Ruddy Duck endangered?
How does the Ruddy Duck nest?
What does the Ruddy Duck sound like?
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What order and family does the Ruddy Duck belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Anatidae family